These easy modern end table plans are a great project for the beginning DIYer. It only requires a few simple tools, all of the cuts are square, and all of the joinery is done via pocket hole screws or regular screws. Plus, building the entire end table should only take a few hours from start to finish. In one afternoon you can build two of these and have a brand new look in your bedroom before the day is done!

If you have any questions about these plans, or need some tweaks for your own design, reach out to us using the comments section below. And if you use these plans to build your own end tables, show us how yours turned out.

Materials Required

• 3 – 2×4 @ 8′
• 3 – 1×4 @ 3′
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
• Wood glue

Tools Needed

• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Kreg jig
• Drill / Driver combo
• Right angle clamp (recommended)
• Flush clamp for pocket hole joints (recommended)
• Sander & sand paper

Step 1: Cut the legs

The legs for these easy modern end table plans are going to be cut down from standard 2x4s. Start by cutting four pieces, each 26″ long. Then you’ll need to run each piece through the table saw table saw, cutting off the rounded corners and trimming the boards down to the final dimensions of 1 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ x 26″.

Step 2: Cut and install the stretchers

Once you have the legs cut, you’ll need to cut four more pieces of 2×4 to 10 1/2″ long and rip them down to the same 1 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ dimensions. Drill three pocket hole screws on each end of these pieces, and attach to the legs per the diagram below. Keep the pocket holes facing down.

Next you’re going to cut two more pieces of 2×4 to 18″ in length. Then you’ll need to rip these in half, and trim them down to 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″. Drill two pocket hole screws in each end of these pieces and use them to join the two leg assemblies together. Again, keep the pocket holes facing down so they don’t show on the final piece.

Step 3: Install the shelf boards

The last construction step of these easy modern end table plans is to cut and install the shelf boards. These boards are simple pieces of 1×4 cut to 18″ in length, and then drilled with 3 pocket hole screws on each end and 3 more pocket holes on one long edge of each outer board and both long edges of the middle boards. Use your flush clamp to hold the shelf boards in alignment with the board you’re screwing it into to reduce the amount of sanding to get the tops flush and even.

Now it is on the finishing work to complete these easy modern end table plans. Go over the entire piece with 120, 180, and then 240 grit sandpaper. Once you’ve completed sanding you can move onto staining, oiling, or painting,

Not certain what type of finish you want to add to your new piece? Check out our series on eco-friendly wood finishes. We detail options for oils, waxes, water-based finishes, shellac, milk paint, and citrus and plant based solvents. We give you all of the details you need to make an informed choice about the right type of finish to choose for your latest project.

If you have comments or question, please feel free to connect with us via the comments section below or use our Contact Form.  We love the feedback!  Also, don’t forget to check out our other free DIY furniture plans.

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Recommended Reading

Looking to dive deeper? Here are a few related projects and guides that will help you sharpen your woodworking skills, discover new techniques, and find inspiration for your next build.

• DIY X-base dining table plans
• How to choose the best wood for your project
• Five quick jigs that save your hours on your next project

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